An unprecedented heat wave continues to scorch a large portion of the United States this weekend, with many locations from coast to coast setting all-time record high temperatures.
Record-Breaking Heat Across the Country
East Coast
- Raleigh, North Carolina: Recorded its hottest temperature on record at 106 degrees on Friday. The city also experienced its highest heat index of 118 degrees. With records dating back to 1887, Friday marked Raleigh’s hottest day in at least 137 years.
West Coast
- Palm Springs, California: Reached a staggering 124 degrees, breaking its all-time record of 123 degrees set in 1922.
Heat Alerts and Warnings
- East Coast: The highest heat index values, ranging from 105 to 115 degrees, are being reported. Excessive Heat Warnings are in effect for cities such as Philadelphia, Baltimore, and Richmond, Virginia.
- West Coast: Actual temperatures are soaring into the 110+ range in several cities. Las Vegas is expected to tie or break its all-time record high temperature of 117 degrees in the coming days.
Daily Record Highs
Dozens of daily record highs are expected on Saturday, including in cities like:
- Phoenix, Arizona
- Sacramento, California
- Portland, Oregon
Safety Precautions
Residents in affected areas are urged to take precautions to stay cool and hydrated:
- Limit outdoor activities.
- Stay in air-conditioned environments when possible.
- Check on vulnerable populations such as the elderly and those with health conditions.
With more than 128 million people under heat alerts, this weekend’s heat wave is a significant and dangerous weather event. Stay informed through local weather updates and heed all heat warnings and advisories to ensure safety during this extreme heat.